Physical activity plays an important role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events, yet many individuals struggle to meet recommended levels. A recent study, the BE ACTIVE Randomized Controlled Trial, sheds light on strategies to increase physical activity among high-risk patients.

Conducted over a 12-month intervention period with a 6-month follow-up, the study explored the impact of gamification, financial incentives, or a combination of both on daily steps and overall physical activity. Participants, identified with clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or elevated risk factors, were equipped with wearable devices to track their activity levels.

Key Findings:

Gamification Alone: Participants engaged in behaviorally designed gamification saw a significant increase in daily steps compared to the control group.
Financial Incentives: Similarly, participants offered loss-framed financial incentives demonstrated notable improvements in daily steps.
Combination Approach: The most pronounced results emerged from combining gamification with financial incentives. This dual approach resulted in the highest increase in daily steps and maintained improved physical activity levels throughout the intervention and follow-up periods.

Conclusion:

The BE ACTIVE trial demonstrates that integrating gamification and financial incentives can effectively motivate individuals to adopt and maintain healthier lifestyles.

You can access the abstract of the study here.

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